The Author's POV

A new morning arrived.

As soon as I woke up, I washed up and had breakfast with my family. After that, I got changed and left the apartment. Not going to lie, the last part took me a little longer than expected due to some unforeseen circumstances. Nevertheless, I was still on time.

"Are you ready?"

I was greeted by Amanda when I arrived at the front of the flat. She looked quite vivacious with her long white skirt and a black turtleneck that hid her neck.

Upon seeing her, I apologized immediately.

"Sorry, Nola was giving me a hard time."

"What happened this time?"

"…She had a nightmare, and she didn't want to let go of me."

Amanda covered her mouth and laughed.

"That's adorable."

"Not when you're in a hurry."

"It's fine, let's go. I've got the driver waiting downstairs."

"Thanks…"

Thanking Amanda, my mood shifted. Not in a good way as I was reminded of my purpose.

'...It's been a while since I last paid a visit.'

To Smallsnake's grave.

About a year or so.

I just couldn't bear to go. It reminded me of my failure. My failure in saving someone that was dear to me.

...But I also knew that this couldn't go on anymore.

As I was getting ready to leave for Immorra, I thought I should pay him a visit. It was about time I moved on.

"It's alright."

I felt Amanda squeeze my hand as she looked up at me. Meeting her gaze, I felt my heart calm down a little as a smile spread across my face.

Then, squeezing her hand back, I leaned my body forward and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"You…"

"Thanks."

I let go of her hand and moved away toward the elevators. Pretending ignorance to her bewildered expression.

It was about time I got her back because of how cheeky she had been acting lately. I was satisfied with just seeing her reaction.

…and it was exactly because of this feeling that I was experiencing that my face turned somber.

'I can't lose this.'

This little joy in my life.

It was probably the only thing that was stopping me from losing it.

So…

I had to do everything to not lose it.

***

Amanda stared at Ren's parting back with her hand pressed against the side of her cheek.

'It's hot.'

she felt the heat rise on both sides of her

more than she expected. Most likely because this was the first time he

always be her who initiated. She didn't blame him,

his feelings and never attempted to force her emotions on him. Even though their progress was extremely slow, it was nonetheless still progress, and Amanda could see from Ren's behavior that he was gradually

were testimony to this, and her heart warmed up

But...

her mouth with her arm while her other hand touched

was just a

***

Tap. Tap. Tap.

screen as his fingers danced on

was actually able to see what the tabs exhibited given how quickly they arrived and

hand paused. Then, with a furrow of his brows,

I disable the system, the generator will activate and the enemies

stare at one of the monitors, Ryan pressed

I won't be able to assist you any longer, guys. They have a backup generator for their system. You must act quickly since the only thing I can assist you with is preventing any communication

[No problem]

crisp voice echoed

It belonged to Ava.

a problem. I'll get back at you

"Got it."

communication shut off after

toward the main screen, Ryan took a pen from

be able to meet our

were required by law to

rank in the past, it wasn't an issue before, but when their mercenary organization rose in status, they

mercenary group weren't something to be trifled with. It wasn't just the fame that came with it, but they were also granted priority to certain dungeons. That alone

missions, everyone in the group took turns, and at the moment, it was Hein and Ava's turn

complete, we can relax

the table

stared at

job sure is

his best to make up for his absence, but even after two years had passed,

role that he understood just

think

felt his chest tighten whenever he thought of

this time had passed, he couldn't move on

death agonized him every day. Maybe because he was still a teenager, or maybe because Smallsnake meant so much to him, but every day, he would force himself to learn and improve his methods. It was the only thing

he want such a situation to happen

Ding—!

then, Ryan received a message. It

going to another planet in two days' time. I want

times as heavy silence fell upon

breath, he tried to calm down, but when he saw the words 'another

all of his might. Unknowingly,

'Calm down Ryan.'

seconds for him to quell his rough breathing, and even then, he could feel his heart beating uncontrollably inside of his

"Huff…huff…"

he brought

[Okay.]

only contained a single word. And one that took all

stood up from his seat once

head to look at his mirror while resting both of his hands on

can't go on, I need to move

***

"We're here."

and stretched my body. A familiar chapel appeared

closed my eyes while

'Here I am.'

been here. Honestly, everything felt so familiar yet so unfamiliar at the

quite put how I was feeling

it was eating away at the little sanity